Art Marinelli’s start in wrestling began under legendary coach John Goles at Washington High School (now called Warren Hills). An excellent athlete, he excelled in wrestling, winning the New Jersey State Championship in 1955 and 1956. He was selected as the team’s MVP and Outstanding Senior Male Athlete, accomplishments he repeated at the University of Maryland where he won the ACC Championship and received the Senior Award.

His first taste of coaching came his senior year in college when he coached the University of Maryland’s freshman team. And what a taste it was. His first team garnered a record of 9-1. In the highlight of the season, all of his wrestlers either won or received a placement finish at the West Point Freshman Tournament, an accomplishment of which Art is justifiable proud.

But more successes were to come from this hard working, dedicated wrestling coach. Art started the first wrestling program at Oakcrest High School in 1962. Within only four years Oakcrest won its first District Championship. This was followed by five more District titles in ten years. In total, Art led Oakcrest High School to a 92-30-2 record coaching 27 individual District winners, 5 Region champions, and one New Jersey State Champion.

In addition to his accomplishments as a coach, Art officiated for 29 years working many of the most competitive matches in South Jersey. He worked at all levels of the New Jersey State Championship series including the State Tournament. He was instrumental in starting the Southern Shore Wrestling Officials Chapter and served as its first president. He continued his leadership by serving as the president of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association. And when NJSIAA called, Art agreed to serve as the President of the NJSIAA Executive Committee. Art is now the site manager of the State Wrestling Tournament, a position he has held for fourteen years.

For Art’s commitment and contribution to wrestling he has received many awards including: South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame, Blue Streak Wall of Fame (Warren Hills). Oakcrest Wall of Fame, Richard C. Mirshak Award for Excellence in Officiating, NJWOA Service Award, and the Harry E. Lake Award.

A model of professionalism, Art Marinelli has given much to the sport of wrestling as an athlete, coach, official, and administrator. His background, knowledge, integrity and sense of fair play have made him a shining light and a most valuable asset to the sport of wrestling.